Vermont management in focal areas

Abstract

Following the 1979 outbreak of gypsy moths Lymantria dispar L. in Vermont, state personnel began monitoring a number of focal areas for signs of increase in gypsy moth populations. In 1986 data from this early warning system indicated an incipient outbreak. We took advantage of this increase to test an experimental management technique. Would disruption of increasing gypsy moth populations at focal sites forestall further expansion of those populations? Four foci were selected, and at each one four one kilometer transect lines were established; one in each cardinal direction, with a 7.5 m radius plot every 100 meters. To better understand and delineate population distribution we set up over 150 additional plots. Bacillus thuringiensis was applied to approximately 500 acres on two of the four sites in the spring of 1988. Egg mass and larval density surveys have been conducted at all sites since September, 1987.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings, U. S. Department of Agriculture interagency gypsy moth research review 1990

Citation

Rosovsky, Judy; Parker, Bruce L.; Curtis, Luke. 1991. Vermont management in focal areas. IN: Gottschalk, Kurt W.; Twery, Mark J.; Smith, Shirley I., eds. Proceedings, U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency gypsy moth research review 1990; East Windsor, CT. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-146. Radnor, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station: 80.